French car sales suffered a slump in October according to the latest figures, as the Western Europe automotive market continues to struggle.

Sales fell by more than eight per cent in comparison with the previous year, with the French automobile manufacturer's association warning that the market remained fragile.

A total of 169,675 vehicles were sold during the month, according to AFP, putting the year-to-date total at a two per cent loss in comparisons with the same period in 2003.

In a statement the association declared: "After a calm summer period and hints of a recovery in September, the automobile market remains uncertain and irregular."

However, it is hoped that the end of the year will prove "more favourable", with a number of new models set to hit the market.

The figures are likely to underline warnings made by Volkswagen's chief executive last month, when VW chief Bernd Pischetsrieder told French newspaper Les Echos that he did not expect the market to grow next year.

While tipping Britain and Spain to enjoy small increases in sales, he described the 2005 Western European automotive market as "more or less stagnant".